tag:theconversation.com,2011:/us/topics/conservative-beliefs-38636/articlesConservative beliefs – The Conversation2019-08-30T14:27:10Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1227082019-08-30T14:27:10Z2019-08-30T14:27:10ZRuth Davidson resignation: where does it leave Scottish Conservatives – and the Union?<p>Few could have foreseen that a young, gay, working-class woman would transform the fortunes of the Conservative party in Scotland when she became leader eight years ago. But that’s exactly what Ruth Davidson did. Almost singlehandedly, she is responsible for her party’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/aug/29/davidsons-departure-threatens-scottish-tories-and-the-union">political revival</a> in Scotland, where crucially, it has eclipsed Labour as the main opposition party.</p>
<p>But following her resignation, citing a combination of personal and political reasons, the Scottish party may be wondering if it can hold on to 13 MPs at Westminster and remain in second place in Scotland.</p>
<p>Davidson’s decision to quit is a serious blow to the Conservatives. There is no obvious big personality replacement. If you search for Ruth Davidson on the <a href="https://yougov.co.uk/">YouGov</a> polling site, you find that 64% of people have heard of her, and she is the <a href="https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/explore/public_figure/Ruth_Davidson">fourth most popular Conservative politician</a> at UK level.</p>
<p>If you search on YouGov for possible leadership contenders such as Davidson’s deputy (and now acting leader) <a href="https://www.parliament.scot/msps/currentmsps/jackson-carlaw-msp.aspx">Jackson Carlaw</a> MSP, or <a href="https://www.parliament.scot/msps/currentmsps/adam-tomkins-msp.aspx">Adam Tomkins</a> MSP, the level of recognition is just not there. </p>
<p>Davidson had “atypical” Conservative traits. She was a new and different kind of Conservative leader: young (32 when she took on the role); female; gay; and a former journalist. As well as being <a href="https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/explore/public_figure/Ruth_Davidson">described</a> on YouGov as “confident, assured, admirable and commanding”, she was a relaxed, easygoing communicator who could reach the parts of the electorate that other Tories could not. </p>
<h2>Difficult questions</h2>
<p>While Davidson had hoped to <a href="https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17648029.ruth-davidson-eyes-first-minister-role-by-2022/">be first minister</a> by 2021, the political and socio-economic shake-down from Brexit under Boris Johnson is likely to lead to a haemorrhaging of support for the Scottish Conservatives. His strategy seems to be to win the Labour Leave heartlands, which might be good news for the Conservatives in England, but looks like being bad news in Scotland.</p>
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<p><em><strong>Read more: <a href="https://theconversation.com/boris-johnson-suspends-parliament-what-does-it-mean-for-brexit-and-why-are-mps-so-angry-122574">Boris Johnson suspends parliament: what does it mean for Brexit and why are MPs so angry?</a></strong></em> </p>
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<p>Indeed, the most promising future for Scottish Conservatives might actually be in an independent Scotland, free from the members of their party pursuing a very different narrative at Westminster.</p>
<p>In the meantime, a relatively unknown Conservative leader might have to think the unthinkable at the next UK General Election. If three unionist parties are competing against one independence party (SNP) for winnable seats at Westminster using <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/scottish-independence/scottish-independence-what-is-devo-max-9733931.html">first-past-the-post</a>, they might need to make deals and run where they stand most chance of challenging the SNP, and standing down where they will split the union vote.</p>
<p>Undoubtedly Ruth Davidson has left behind very big boots to fill. If Conservative popularity tanks in Scotland the way Labour’s did, we might see a quick succession of leaders. Of course it puts Nicola Sturgeon in an even more commanding position than ever before. But she has now had five years as leader, and leaders are lucky if they can hold on for as long as Davidson has managed – particularly in these unprecedented times of political churn.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122708/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Mark Shephard has previously received funding from the ESRC, the British Academy, AQMeN, and WhatsApp. </span></em></p>Charismatic Ruth Davidson broke the mould of the traditional Tory MP to reach parts of the electorate others couldn’t. So how do the Scottish Conservatives fill the vacuum she leaves?Mark Shephard, Senior Lecturer, Politics, University of Strathclyde Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1005962018-08-06T19:40:01Z2018-08-06T19:40:01ZAustralian sex education isn’t diverse enough. Here’s why we should follow England’s lead<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/230672/original/file-20180805-41360-1fd7oul.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=2%2C38%2C995%2C598&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A new sex education program in England promises more balanced views of sexual and gender diversity.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/download/confirm/1141925705?src=jNAtnvbac058JBLxUWa6HQ-1-15&size=medium_jpg">from www.shutterstock.com</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>How children are taught about sex, relationships and sexuality at school is shaping up to be a political hot potato in Australia (again). It’s already been slated to be an issue in the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/safe-schools-faces-uncertain-future-in-victoria-despite-high-signup-rate-20180106-h0ef2h.html">Victorian state elections</a> later this year. That’s just a short time from being on the agenda during the same-sex marriage debate.</p>
<p>Now a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-relationships-and-health-education-in-schools">radical shift</a> in how children in England are taught about sex, relationships and sexuality promises to be the biggest reform of its kind in nearly 20 years (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own education authorities).</p>
<p>Here’s what Australia can learn from the new English system, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/education-39116783">which proposes</a> mandatory sex and relationships education across primary and secondary schools, inclusive of diversity, with age-appropriate content. There is, however, a clause to allow parents to withdraw their children from these classes, and for faith-based schools to continue to teach according to the tenets of their faith.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/sex-education-gets-a-revamp-but-parents-still-allowed-to-opt-kids-out-99551">Sex education gets a revamp but parents still allowed to opt kids out</a>
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<h2>Why is England changing its approach?</h2>
<p><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/283599/sex_and_relationship_education_guidance.pdf">Current English guidelines</a> on sex education in schools, introduced in 2000, present heterosexuality as the “norm” of human sexuality, and explicitly restricts the “promotion” of diverse sexual orientations.</p>
<p>But the new guidelines are presented in a framework of equality and inclusion, with more balanced views of sexual and gender diversity. They have a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-education-lgbt/overhaul-of-sex-education-in-england-could-elevate-lgbt-rights-idUSKBN1K92TH">particular emphasis</a> on healthy relationships; safely navigating the online environment, including sexting, pornography, sexual harassment, and bullying; and will be LGBTIQ inclusive, aiming to prepare young people for their future relationships.</p>
<p>So, the proposed changes provide an opportunity to transform the experiences of young same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people at school. For the first time sexual diversity and issues relevant to LGBTIQ young people will be addressed in the curriculum explicitly.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/bullying-linked-to-gender-and-sexuality-often-goes-unchecked-in-schools-55639">Bullying linked to gender and sexuality often goes unchecked in schools</a>
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<p>These reforms also mirror change in other western <a href="https://www.seeker.com/which-countries-have-the-best-sex-education-1792604688.html">European countries</a> (such as Sweden and Denmark), where sex, sexuality and relationships education has become much more inclusive of diversity.</p>
<p>Together, these more progressive approaches acknowledge that, <a href="http://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4311512.aspx">at the core of our identities</a> are our sexual orientation, gender identity and the relationships we establish throughout our lives.</p>
<h2>Meanwhile, in Australia …</h2>
<p>In Australia, the approach is less progressive. Sex and sexuality education continues to raise anger from more conservative elements of the community. The <a href="https://indaily.com.au/news/2018/04/23/safe-schools-program-could-be-gone-within-a-year-gardner/">public criticism</a> of the <a href="https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/safeschools.aspx?Redirect=2">Safe Schools program</a> (which offers an opt-in model of inclusive sex, sexuality and relationships education) resulted in a fragmentation of sex education in Australia.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-does-the-safe-schools-program-contain-highly-explicit-material-87437">FactCheck: does the Safe Schools program contain 'highly explicit material'?</a>
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<p>And as the marriage equality debate in Australia unfolded, conservative political, academic, policy, religious and media <a href="https://tendaily.com.au/news/politics/a180713wmx/lets-stop-man-shaming-claims-it-has-muzzled-men-20180719">commentators</a> tried to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/myths-around-safe-schools-debunked/news-story/374b23a137c5c9ac7b63ace15b9806c7">hijack the public debate</a> about the Safe Schools program.</p>
<p>While marriage equality was seen as inevitable in Australia, there was less of a flavour for sexuality and gender education in Australian schools.</p>
<h2>Fixing gaps in the curriculum</h2>
<p>The Safe Schools program was designed and originally implemented in Victoria, and later rolled out to all of the states and territories. It was designed to fill the gap in inclusive sex education. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=373&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=373&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=373&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=469&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=469&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/230673/original/file-20180805-41360-xm4myy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=469&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Teacher professional education will be needed to deliver an updated sex education curriculum in the classroom.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/zFSo6bnZJTw">NeONBRAND/Unsplash</a></span>
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<p>While sex education is addressed in the Australian Curriculum, and each of the state and territory versions of the curriculum, it’s only explicitly mentioned as part of <a href="http://consultation.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Static/docs/HPE/F-10Curriculum.pdf">health and physical education</a>. So sex education is largely dealt with in biological terms (the mechanics of sex); healthy relationships are expressed in vague terms; and references to sexual orientation and gender identity are just as vague.</p>
<p>This leaves it open to teacher and <a href="http://educationmattersmag.com.au/primary-school-sexuality-education-foundations/">school interpretation</a> about how much detail to provide students about topics like changing identities and the factors that influence them (including personal, cultural, gender and sexual identities).</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/we-must-celebrate-gender-and-sexual-diversity-in-our-schools-54740">We must celebrate gender and sexual diversity in our schools</a>
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<p>Unfortunately, many teachers are under-prepared by their pre-service teacher education courses to teach these topics <a href="http://www.youthsexuality.com.au/files/9814/5801/5069/It_is_not_all_about_sex_Research_Report_16.3.16.pdf">effectively and inclusively</a>. </p>
<p>In England, teacher education programs will need to adapt to the proposed changes and existing teachers will need professional development to adequately equip them for these reforms.</p>
<h2>Australia hasn’t always been so conservative</h2>
<p>Australia’s <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-15/aids-volunteers-were-the-unsung-heroes-of-australias-response/8949978">early response</a> to HIV and AIDS is widely recognised one of the most effective in the world, despite using what some considered controversial strategies at the time.</p>
<p>These included condom vending machines, needle and syringe exchange programs and, perhaps most importantly, the risk factors for HIV transmission were discussed publicly in often explicit language.</p>
<p>This community-wide response to a health crisis included providing sex education in schools, despite many critics advocating abstinence as a solution to preventing HIV infection.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/hiv-in-australia-weve-come-a-long-way-but-theres-more-to-do-28386">HIV in Australia: we've come a long way but there's more to do</a>
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<p>The fear associated with the AIDS epidemic receded as medication became available to treat HIV infection and limit the impact of HIV. Funding for public education campaigns become increasingly difficult to obtain and topics related to sexuality and sex education became less urgent.</p>
<p>And here we are in 2018 Australia, still coming to terms with human sexuality and how we teach our children and young people about this most human of topics. </p>
<h2>The Victorian election and beyond</h2>
<p>In the run-up to the Victorian election, there’s continued debate about the Safe Schools Program. The Victorian opposition <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/24/victorian-opposition-vows-to-scrap-safe-schools-and-teach-western-principles">promises to scrap</a> the program should it be elected. Current Premier, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/video/video-news/video-national-news/qa-daniel-andrews-commits-to-safe-schools-program-20160321-4cbs2.html">Daniel Andrews, promises to keep it</a>.</p>
<p>While some commentators argue sex education in schools is part of a <a href="https://au.educationhq.com/news/38824/victorias-respectful-relationships-rollout-academics-go-head-to-head/">leftist agenda</a>, <a href="https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/teachingresources/social/physed/ssafefindings.pdf">the research</a> suggests much more.</p>
<p>Bullying both at <a href="https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/PreventingBullying/WhatWorks#Anchor1">school and online</a> and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-08-16/why-are-stis-on-the-rise-in-australia/8774378">increasing rates of sexually transmitted infection in young people</a>, indicate the situation is urgent.</p>
<p>Australian educators need to address these issues <a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/576661/ARCSHS-SSASH-2013.pdf">quickly and effectively</a> if young Australians are to make informed decisions and choices about sex, sexuality, gender and relationships.</p>
<h2>An alternative to Safe Schools?</h2>
<p>If Safe Schools is a program governments don’t feel equipped to adopt because of conservative (or reactionary) forces, then a viable and inclusive alternative that represents the full spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity needs to be adopted.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/rational-modern-sex-education-is-a-must-for-all-aussie-kids-44226">Rational, modern sex education is a must for all Aussie kids</a>
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<p>As a society, we need to think of the best interests of young people and not be side-tracked into a cultural debate about <a href="https://tendaily.com.au/news/politics/a180713wmx/lets-stop-man-shaming-claims-it-has-muzzled-men-20180719">political correctness</a>. This does little but delay meaningful reform, such as in England, which promises to deliver inclusive and diverse representations of human sexuality and healthy relationships.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100596/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Rhodes works for Edith Cowan University</span></em></p>It’s time Australia came of age and followed England’s example by introducing a relevant and diverse sex and relationships education program in all schools.David Rhodes, Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Edith Cowan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/773712017-05-12T01:19:49Z2017-05-12T01:19:49ZChristian sex advice websites offer a peek into evangelical politics<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/168997/original/file-20170511-32588-499q6k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Adam and Eve, created by Albrecht Dürer, 1471-1528.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2008678309/">Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>On May 4, President Donald Trump signed <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/05/04/read-the-full-text-of-trumps-executive-order-on-religious-freedom/">an executive order</a> that allows churches and religious leaders to explicitly endorse or oppose a political candidate without penalty to their nonprofit, tax-exempt status. Responses from white conservative evangelicals showed that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/us/politics/religious-organizations-executive-order-trump.html">this wasn’t what they were looking for.</a> <a href="http://files.constantcontact.com/2438cc3e001/b3d4b1e1-6f27-4002-90d1-9a3a1fba3904.pdf?ver=2017-03-02T18:17:35+0000">What they wanted, it seems, was</a> legal protection for religious institutions and business owners to deny services to same-sex couples and transgender persons. </p>
<p>I am a <a href="http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520286337">sociologist studying contemporary evangelicalism and sexuality</a>, and my research shows that the political beliefs of white evangelicals have deftly shifted from <a href="https://kansaspress.ku.edu/series/studies-in-government-and-public-policy/978-0-7006-0868-3.html">the bully pulpits of the Moral Majority</a> in the 1980s to cultural messages that appear hip and modern. In particular, Christian sex advice caught my attention because it showcases how evangelicals can hold beliefs that are simultaneously pro- and anti-sex.</p>
<h2>Sex advice websites</h2>
<p>In my book <a href="http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520286337">“Christians under Covers: Evangelicals and Sexual Pleasure on the Internet</a>,” I conducted a virtual ethnography of online Christian websites – blogs and message boards that discuss sex from a Christian perspective and online stores that sell sex toys and intimacy products. </p>
<p>In total, I studied 36 websites and conducted 44 interviews with users of two of the most active sites as well as six interviews with creators of different sites over two years – between 2010 and 2012. I collected survey responses from nearly 800 users of seven different sites. Collectively, these sites have attracted thousands of users who believe that God wants married, heterosexual couples to have great sex. </p>
<p>Though in my work, I use pseudonyms to describe the names of websites and their users, these sites are easy to find for anyone who is searching for “Christian sex advice.” </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/169003/original/file-20170511-32585-1pt70dz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Christian sexual websites present evangelism as sexy for couples.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gillpoole/263292746/in/photolist-pgrL7-2LVnZz-568bAY-2jDdat-6LYKxd-4RaKpT-563U4z-jnWM3-6M9KDV-6LUCKp-6LYMB7-6LUzLk-6MaBVg-6Me7cN-6MdSNN-6LUDhx-6M9KPV-6MeNGy-6M9W9t-6LYKN7-jo8f7-6MaBnp-2CAQHm-jo7ZN-6MdWY9-5C7XBW-6MdWKy-EatHSv-6M9TXg-6M9Us4-6LUBJx-6MeMQs-6MePT1-2M1bCK-6M9Kdv-6MdXJN-6M9HXt-2jHyEo-6MdUe3-6MePrW-7oYiTb-4Rayxe-6M9N8g-6MawVV-6LUBz2-6MdZhG-6MawmH-qPrHbV-6MePpo-4ReQb7">Gill Poole</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span>
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<p>The problem that these websites try to solve is that many Christian couples don’t know how to achieve the great sex that God made possible, having grown up hearing a constant refrain of negative messages about sexuality. The content of these sites is a curious mix of secular and religious language that resembles both the liberal sex advice column <a href="http://www.thestranger.com/savage-love/2017/05/03/25119439/savage-love">“Savage Love”</a> and the religious fiction novel series <a href="http://leftbehind.com/">“Left Behind”</a> – aimed at reminding believers that all of their actions are a part of a larger spiritual battle between good and evil. </p>
<p>On these websites, messages abound about self-improvement and being a good, giving and game sexual partner, as well the power of Jesus, the influence of Satan and the importance of being born-again.</p>
<p>Women make up the majority of bloggers and sex toy store owners I studied. <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=d_FcCwAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&dq=christians%20under%20covers&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false">They describe</a> using vibrators and achieving orgasms; men talk about open communication with their wives about <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=d_FcCwAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&dq=christians%20under%20covers&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false">their deepest sexual desires</a>.</p>
<p>It is a relatively recent historical phenomenon for Christians to claim sexual pleasure as part of their religious framework. As historian of religion <a href="https://hds.harvard.edu/people/mark-d-jordan">Mark Jordan</a> notes, <a href="http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/I/bo3644992.html">sexual sins have included</a> virtually every erotic action other than sex intended for conceiving children. </p>
<p>Christian sexuality websites, however, present evangelicalism as a sexy and modern representation of a religious tradition that is stereotypically the opposite. </p>
<h2>Conservative beliefs</h2>
<p>In the years I spent studying these sites, I never saw a single post endorsing or opposing a political candidate. Nonetheless, political beliefs were reflected in the implicit and explicit rules that were required of website users regarding their beliefs related to gender, sexuality and marriage. </p>
<p><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=d_FcCwAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&dq=christians%20under%20covers&pg=PA92#v=onepage&q&f=false">On one website</a>, for example, a message board where users post hundreds of comments every day, the moderators allow for “minor theological disagreements” among members, but require that “Members must be married (one man, one woman), and followers of Jesus Christ and His Word. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the only way to salvation, and the Bible is the ultimate authority.” Off limits is “any defense of the practice of homosexuality, so-called ‘gay marriage,’ or the like.” </p>
<p>The beliefs on these websites are far from representative of American Christianity. Most Christians today <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/12/18/most-u-s-christian-groups-grow-more-accepting-of-homosexuality/">believe that homosexuality should be accepted by society</a>. A majority of <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/26/lesbian-gay-and-bisexual-americans-differ-from-general-public-in-their-religious-affiliations/">LGBT Americans have some religious affiliation</a> and there are <a href="http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/product_info.php?cPath=1037_1140_1141&products_id=21824">LGBT-affirming groups in many Christian denominations</a> (Matthew Vines’ <a href="http://www.reformationproject.org/about">The Reformation Project</a> is one evangelical example). </p>
<p>Yet on these websites supporting gay sex (or gay marriage), sex outside of heterosexual marriage or any relationship that is nonmonogamous is fundamentally heresy. </p>
<p>In other words, the websites present a sexual logic that combines both limits and freedoms: Christian sexuality, all of these websites adamantly claim, is one full of choice and autonomy so long as Christians follow God’s demands for who is allowed to have sex. </p>
<p>As one blogger told me <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=d_FcCwAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&dq=christians%20under%20covers&pg=PA49#v=onepage&q=tremendous%20freedom&f=false">in an interview</a>, “I think a couple has tremendous freedom” so long as sex is consensual and between husband and wife. In my book, I refer to this as the “logic of Godly sex:” a logic that makes sexual pleasure possible for straight, married Christians but forecloses it for everyone else.</p>
<h2>Advancing conservative politics</h2>
<p>In other words, I would argue, the sexual freedom that these websites claim to offer is illusory. This illusion is also central to the arguments that proponents present in favor of religious freedom legislation. </p>
<p>These state-enacted bills provide a practical route by which individuals can use the courts to make free exercise violation claims against the state. </p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168995/original/file-20170511-32578-ul0wj1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The Christian sexuality websites do not accept homosexuality.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/4655026900/in/photolist-86meju-5kjXaE-7EoQUU-dQ6eV4-oz4VQi-o4YYhC-ej2vi4-a2NNhB-dQ43DX-7DHcoF-7Dtn4K-awrf1B-dQ578a-5kesJF-4EoTET-7nmhn9-cugFgC-dQc7F5-72DrmX-3kNgrf-of5d9o-dQ6rFp-dQ699e-iT4tSS-6Zp2C1-5YNZLo-dQ5nYp-244tva-ciJDxu-as7CDn-2TQP9w-f23Zwy-fxt8qt-8zvBsE-eu2N78-fCeKFQ-fBZvta-gZjS5M-6hZUMS-fBZyCD-z2q6b-zDFph-fCenSJ-as8awH-4BWSzU-7PqCK-7DthSP-aCMiLs-dQbKEA-pNcb5p">Nathan Rupert</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For instance, <a href="http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2016/html/HB/1500-1599/HB1523SG.htm">Mississippi HB 1523</a> (passed in April 2016 but later blocked by a federal judge) protects persons who have “the sincerely held religious belief” that marriage “should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman” to decide whether or not to provide services, including housing and employment, to LGBT people. </p>
<p>It defines “a man” and “a woman,” according to law: “an individual’s immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy and genetics at the time of birth.” Laws like HB 1523 offer a strategy for religious conservatives to use their religious freedom to advance an anti-gay, anti-transgender, and anti-abortion political agenda.</p>
<p>In my opinion, emphasizing freedom and choice alongside conservative ideas about gender, sexuality and marriage is how conservative Christians can adapt to a changing world while maintaining their religious distinction. </p>
<p>After researching Christian sexuality websites, I am convinced that they do as much or more to advance conservative politics as does a preacher telling his congregation to vote for a particular candidate.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/77371/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kelsy Burke has received funding from the Association for the Sociology of Religion.</span></em></p>Christian sexuality websites present evangelicalism as a sex-positive religious tradition. At the same time, they also reinforce conservative ideas about same-sex marriages.Kelsy Burke, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Nebraska-LincolnLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.